Theatre Movement Bazaar's BIG SHOT Begins Tonight

Pull up a seat, grab some pasta and reconnect with the definitive crime family in Theatre Movement Bazaar's BIG SHOT: a.k.a this is not The Godfather, directed and choreographed by Tina Kronis, with text by Richard Alger. This world premiere production kicks off the 2015 Studio SCR series, performing in the Nicholas Studio tonight, April 22-May 3. BIG SHOT also is presented as part of the Pacific Playwrights Festival.

BIG SHOT is a vaudevillian theatrical collage inspired by The Godfather films and novel. In it, Theatre Movement Bazaar (TMB) shakes down this iconic story to create a new work, echoing the source and investigating family dynamics, power, criminal behavior and being an Italian American. In BIG SHOT, the American gangster genre is upended through stylized theatrics, dynamic movement, song, dance and pasta.

"We are thrilled to be returning this year with a world premiere," said Richard Alger, TMB co-founder. "The Studio series is a welcome platform whereby experimental work can cross over to new audiences in an environment that is as inviting and established as SCR."

BIG SHOT was originally workshopped in 2014 at Bootleg Theatre in Los Angeles. TMB has been able to reunite the original cast and creative team to continue its development through SCR's support. This will be TMB's third production presented as part of Studio SCR. Their previous productions in Studio SCR were Anton's Uncles and Track 3.

"Theatre Movement Bazaar has brought something special to South Coast Repertory audiences twice before and we're excited for this return," said Artistic Director Marc Masterson. "There's no company better suited to use movement, music and theatre techniques to develop a whole new way of looking at an American icon like The Godfather."

Theatre Movement Bazaar began in New York City as a collaboration between Tina Kronis and Alger. The company begins with a source material and seeks ways to utilize all elements of performance-text, dance, movement, music-to create a unique and heightened theatrical experience. Since the company relocated to Los Angeles, TMB has produced nineteen original works, which are currently being presented regionally and internationally. A number of their productions have been performed throughout China and the United Kingdom.

Now in its fifth year, Studio SCR is an alternative to SCR's mainstage offerings-in the intimate Nicholas Studio. The series offers a mix of ambitious, provocative and experimental theatrical works in partnership with some of southern California's most innovative companies.

The cast includes Caitlyn Conlin, Mark Doeer, David Guerra, Jesse Myers, Paula Rebelo and Mark Skeens.

Performances are Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 23 at 8 p.m.; Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, April 25 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 26 at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, April 30 at 8 p.m.; Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 2 at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday, May 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Ticket prices range $20-30; student and MyStage (ages 15-25) discounts are available. Tickets are available now through the SCR Box Office at (714) 708-5555 and online at www.scr.org.

Find complete information about Studio SCR's season at www.scr.org/studioSCR.

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